Downhole lubrication system
View Patent ↗What is claimed is a downhole lubrication system comprising a drill string component comprising an outer diameter and an inner bore. A reservoir may be disposed intermediate the outer diameter and inner bore. A piston may be disposed at least partially within the reservoir. At least one channel may extend from the reservoir to a bearing surface. As drilling fluid is passed through the inner bore, the piston may be pressurized, urging lubricant toward the bearing surface via the at least one channel.
1. A drill string component comprising:
a cylindrical body having a first end, a first outer surface and a first inner surface defining a first inner bore;
an insert disposed within said first inner bore, said insert having a second outer surface and a second inner surface defining a second inner bore;
a reservoir formed between said first inner surface and said second outer surface;
a fluid disposed within said reservoir;
a first mating surface at said first end of said cylindrical body;
a channel for communicating said fluid between said reservoir and said first mating surface;
a piston within said reservoir, said piston being operable from a first position to a second position spaced from said first position, said piston adapted to urge said fluid through said channel; and
means for urging said piston from first position to said second position.
2. The drill string component of claim 1 , wherein said cylindrical body has a length and wherein a volume of said reservoir is determined by said length of said cylindrical body.
3. The drill string component of claim 1 , wherein said insert is removable.
4. The drill string component of claim 3 , further comprising a coupling mechanism disposed at said first end of said body.
5. The drill string component of claim 4 , wherein the coupling mechanism is a threadform.
6. The drill string component of claim 3 , wherein a volume of said reservoir is determined by a length of said insert.
7. The drill string component of claim 1 , further comprising:
a port in fluid communication between said channel and said first outer surface; and
a plug within said port, said plug hindering movement of any fluid through said port.
8. The drill string component of claim 7 , wherein said plug is a Zerk fitting.
9. The drill string component of claim 7 , wherein said plug is a check valve.
10. The drill string component of claim 7 , wherein said plug is an external covering.
11. The drill string component of claim 10 , wherein the external covering is a threaded securement.
12. The drill string component of claim 1 , wherein said first mating surface has an annular gap in fluid communication with said channel.
13. The drill string component of claim 12 , wherein said annular gap is segmented.
14. The drill string component of claim 12 , further comprising a bit disposed adjacent said first mating surface, wherein said bit includes a second mating surface disposed adjacent said first mating surface.
15. The drill string component of claim 14 , wherein said annular gap is disposed on both said first mating surface and said second mating surfaces.
16. The drill string component of claim 14 , wherein said bit includes a bearing surface and wherein the drill string component further comprises a plurality of channels extending from said reservoir to said bearing surface.
17. The drill string component of claim 1 , further comprising a lubricant disposed within said reservoir, wherein said lubricant has an operating range of 25 degrees C. to 350 degrees C.
18. The drill string component of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir has an axial length from 4 inches to 30 feet.
19. The drill string component of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir has a capacity from 0.4 gallons to 45 gallons.
20. The drill string component of claim 1 , wherein said means for urging said piston includes a spring.
21. The drill string component of claim 1 , further comprising a second fluid, wherein said means for urging said piston includes a pressure of said second fluid.